If your workplace is not as productive as it can possibly be, then your business is not going to make as many profits as it possibly could, nor is it going to be as successful as you know in your heart it can be. So, you are going to have to see what you can do to shake things up and increase efficiency. 

That being the case, here are some of the more surprising strategies you can use to see productivity soar at work.

Unleash the Power of Pooches

You know the undeniable joy that dogs bring into our lives? You can use that. Bringing dogs to work might not sound like the best idea because we know those naughty pups can cause mayhem but actually, if they’re well-trained and everyone agrees on it being a good thing, it can actually increase productivity significantly.

Dogs have a (scientifically proven) way of easing stress, encouraging breaks, and fostering social interactions among colleagues, all of which can make for a much more efficient team overall, right?

Health and Safety Training

You might think that healthy and safety training, like the ISO 45001 Certification, is important for keeping your staff safe and well in the workplace, and avoiding those pesky lawsuits, but that’s about all, right? Wrong! Good health and safety training can actually boost efficiency because when your staff know how to work safely and effectively, there is fear of mishaps, hesitations and things holding them back from doing their best work. It’s as simple as that!

The Great Outdoors

Okay, so you probably aren’t doing away with your offices to set up shop in the local park, but that does not mean that you cannot harness the calming, productive properties of Mother Nature to help your business increase efficiency.

For example, you could hold walking meetings outdoors, which are great for sparking creativity, fostering more effective communication and simply increasing productivity all in one fell swoop. The combination of fresh air, a little vitamin D, and the dynamic nature of being on the move can reenergize your team and lead to breakthrough ideas that you might otherwise never make.

Nap Time

Okay, so you are no longer a toddler and chances are you have left nap time well and truly behind you, but you know what? It might just be time to bring it back again! Why? Well, you see, it turns out that allowing short, 20-minute power naps can significantly boost alertness, creativity, and overall productivity. So, make the time to designate a quiet, comfy space in your office where employees can catch a quick snooze and recharge, and you will see positive results.

Mix Up the Monotony with Music

Who says you can't mix Beethoven and business reports? Incorporating music into the workplace can be a fantastic way to boost productivity and morale. Allow employees to share their favorite playlists or introduce 'Music Mondays' where different genres are explored each week. Not only does music have the power to uplift spirits, but the right tunes can help individuals focus and even complete tasks more efficiently. Just imagine coding to classical or filing to funk – the day's work might just fly by in a more enjoyable symphony of productivity.

Greenify Your Space

You might think that plants are nice to look a and break up the monotony of an otherwise beige office space, but they are so much more than that, y’know? The average office space, if it has a lot of plants is always going to be more productive than one that is bereft of greenery, Why? Because science has shown that plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance creative thinking. Every desk should have one!

Encourage 'Pet Projects'

No, we haven’t cycled back to dogs, we’re talking about actual pet projects here! Letting employees spend some of the working day on a project they are truly passionate about is a great way to spark creativity, foster a sense of ownership, and this will ultimately boost productivity by keeping the work environment dynamic and engaging. When people feel their interests and personal growth are valued, their loyalty and enthusiasm for their work soar.

As you can see, there are lots of, mostly fairly simple, things you can do to improve productivity in the workplace, whatever the workplace may be, and no matter how unproductive the staff might be at present. So, start with one of the ideas above and implement as many as you can in time. You won’t regret it!